Flag Code FAQ: Half staff; half mast (2024)

Half-Staff, Half-Mast

Is there a difference between half-mast and half-staff?

According to Merriam-Webster's (3rd Edition):

Half-mast: a point some distance but not necessarily halfway down below the top of a mast or staff or the peak of a gaff.

Half-staff: HALF-MAST — used of a flag or a flagpole

The Associated Press Style Guide suggests using "half staff."

However, most dictionaries use "half-mast" as the preferred term.

The Flag Code (section 7-m) reads:

The term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;

Using Google, you find the term "half-mast" 592,000 times and the term "half-staff" 428,000 times. Searching White House press releases "half-staff" appears 80 times to "half-mast" only 4 times.

Naval flag protocol uses the term "half-staff" 10 times, and the term "half-mast" 61 times.

Our conclusion is that both terms can be used. The term "half-mast" is preferred by dictionaries and seems more appropriate at sea (as ships have masts). "Half-staff" seems more appropriate on land, and is the preferred term used in the Flag Code and in Presidential proclamations.

We call it a draw. The two terms may be used interchangeably for general use.

Should I fly my flag at half-staff today?

» Also see Should I fly my flag today?

When to half-staff the flag

  • May 15 — Peace Officers Memorial Day: half-staff from sunrise to sunset
  • Last Monday in May — Memorial Day: the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon
  • September 11 — Patriot Day: half-staff from sunrise to sunset
  • Sunday, usually of week in which October 9th falls — Fire Prevention Week: half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
  • December 7 — National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: half-staff from sunrise to sunset
  • Upon reliable information that the current or former President, current Vice-President, current or former Chief Justice, or current Speaker of the House has died
  • Upon Presidential proclamation or proclamation by your state's governor.

Governors' Websites:

By statute, the President is requested each year to issue a proclamation requiring government buildings to half-staff the flag and inviting all the people of the US to do so as well, on Peace Officers Memorial Day, Patriot Day, and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (see above).

Section 7m of the Flag Code reads:

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection —

  1. the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
  2. the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and
  3. the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

In addition to the Flag Code, Proclamation 3044 Section 5 states, "The heads of the several departments and agencies of the [federal] Government may direct that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff on buildings, grounds, or naval vessels under their jurisdiction on occasions other than those specified herein which they consider proper, and that suitable military honors be rendered as appropriate."

Upon the death of a sitting or former President how long does the flag fly at half-mast? For a Vice-President? Others?

  • 30 days from the death of the President or a former President
  • 10 days from the day of death for: Vice President; Chief Justice of the US or a retired Chief Justice of the US; Speaker of the House of Representatives
  • Day of death until interment for: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; Secretary of an executive or military department; Former Vice President; Governor of a State, territory, or possession
  • Day of death and the following day for: Member of Congress

Section 7-m of the Flag Code

How can I show mourning if my flag is on a fixed pole or staff and can't be half-masted?

The flag rules make no provisions for this. You can affix a streamer of black crepe to the staff immediately below the spearhead of the U.S. flag.It should be no wider than 1 foot, but may be less wide to match the proportionality of the flag. It should be about 1-1/2 times the hoist of the fly (the shorter dimension; the height of the flag).Attach a black streamer with a bow-knot to the spearhead (top) of the pole, allowing the streamer to fall naturally.Alternately, you can affix black bow-knots, with or without streamers, placed at the fastening points.

Can the US flag be flown at half staff and the state flag be flown underneath of it on the same pole?

Yes. The US flag should be at a point midway on the pole and the state flag should fly beneath it.

When the US flag is at half-staff, do other foreign flags fly at full-staff?

Yes. "The flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff whether or not the flag of another nation is flown at full staff alongside the United States flag."

Reference: Department of the Army Pamphlet 600–60

When the US flag is at half mast, should other flags (state, city, company) be flown at half mast?

Yes, they should. Here is what Section 7f of the Flag Code states:

When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.

Therefore, when the US flag is flown at half-mast, other non-national flags should also fly at half-mast.

On Memorial Day, should we place small flags at gravesites?

Yes, it is customary to honor fallen soldiers every Memorial Day by placing a small flag at the gravesite. At Arlington Cemetery, on the Thursday before the Memorial Day weekend, small flags are placed at every burial site in a ceremony called "Flags In." The small flags are removed at the end of the Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day is the last Monday of May and the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff. Full staff shows that the nation lives, for the flag is the symbol of the living nation.

Memorial Day began after the Civil War to honor the fallen Union soldiers. Over time it expanded to memorialize those who served from all branches of the military and in all wars. It was traditionally celebrated on May 30. In 1968, it was changed to the last Monday in May, traditionally kicking off the unofficial beginning of the summer season. At 3:00pm a minute of silence is observed across the nation.

Reference and more history: US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Can the governor order the US flag half-staffed for anyone he or she chooses?

Flag Code FAQ: Half staff; half mast (1)

No. Section 7m of the Flag Code authorizes a governor to half-staff the US flag upon the death of a present or former official of the government of the state, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that state who dies while serving on active duty.

The President, by comparison, is authorized to half-staff the US flag by proclamation upon the death of principal figures of the US Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as well as in the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries.

Governors can order the flag to half-staff to honor fallen soldiers from their state (see Public Law 110-41). The change was the result of governor proclamations, like this one from Governor Granholm of Michigan.

Some object to this extension of a governor's authority because they feel half-staffing the flag for every fallen soldier can be seen as anti-war. Some feel that overuse cheapens the symbolic power of half-staffing the flag, traditionally reserved for political leaders.

Can the mayor order the US flag to half-mast?

Flag Code FAQ: Half staff; half mast (2)

No. According to the Flag Code, only the President of the United States, your state's Governor, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia can order the US flag lowered to half-staff.

If everyone were to half-staff the US flag at will, the symbolic value of that honor would be lost. Another option is to display black crepe near the entrance to your building, perhaps with a photograph of the former mayor, firefighter, police officer, etc.

Also see Can the governor order the US flag half-staffed for anyone he or she chooses?

Can my company fly the US flag at half-mast for a former employee?

Flag Code FAQ: Half staff; half mast (3)

No. According to the Flag Code, only the president of the US or your state governor can order the US flag lowered to half-staff. You can half-staff your company flag, which has the advantage of informing passersby and uninformed employees, clients, etc., that someone important to your company has died.

Can my school fly the US flag for a former student killed in Iraq?

No. According to the Flag Code, only the president of the US or your state governor can order the US flag lowered to half-staff. You can half-staff your school flag. You can also display black crepe near the entrance to the building, perhaps with a photograph of the former student.

I was told there are 5 places the flag is never lowered to half staff.

We receive this question periodically. The five proposed locations are:

  • The Betsy Ross House (false, it is half-staffed)
  • The Alamo (false, it is half-staffed)
  • USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor (false, it is half-staffed)
  • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington (false, it is half-staffed when others are, and, in addition, it is lowered to half-staff 30 minutes before each funeral)
  • The Moon (true)

A flag, however, is never half-staffed on the battlefield. There are locations so remote that it is not lowered to half-staff. And, half-staffing the flag is done on a voluntary basis by citizens, so there are certainly many flags that are never half-staffed. However, there are no locations where the flag is not half-staffed by Congressional or Presidential authority.

Also see Where does the flag fly 24 hours a day?

Flag code FAQ part 2: Displaying the FlagFlag code FAQ part 4: Funeral Flags

Flag Code FAQ: Half staff; half mast (2024)

FAQs

Who decides if flags are at half-mast? ›

The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff. In most cases, an American flag flying at half-staff marks one of three observances: The death of a government official, military member, or emergency first responder. A national tragedy.

What are two things the flag should never touch according to the Flag Code? ›

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.

Is the Flag Code enforceable? ›

While the U.S. Supreme Court struck down flag-protection laws as violations of free speech in 1989, the Flag Code is still maintained as a code of etiquette, enforced not by law but by tradition.

What if I can't fly my flag at half-staff? ›

If Your Flag Can't Fly at Half-Staff

For flags that can't be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.

What is the difference between half-staff and half-mast? ›

The difference between half-staff and half-mast pertains to where the flag flies. The terms are often used interchangeably, but half-staff refers to a flag hanging halfway up on a flag pole, while half-mast pertains to a flag flying halfway up the mast on a ship at sea.

Is it illegal to fly a flag at night without a light? ›

Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it's illuminated during darkness.

What are the only two flags that can be flown above the U.S. flag? ›

Yes, there are actually two flags that can be placed above the U.S. American Flag. The Church Pennant during church services for the personnel of the Navy and No other flag may be flown above The United States flag except at the United Nations Headquarters. The UN flag may be placed above flags of all member nations.

Is it against the law to wear clothing with the American flag? ›

People commonly violate the Flag Code when displaying the Stars and Stripes on apparel, athletic uniforms or bedding. The only exception is made for military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations who are allowed to wear a flag patch that is customized for their uniform.

Is it illegal to wear an American flag bathing suit? ›

Answer: Unless an article of clothing is made from an actual United States flag, there is NO breach of flag etiquette whatsoever. People are simply expressing their patriotism and love of country by wearing an article of clothing that happens to be red, white, and blue with stars and stripes.

Should the American flag be flown in the rain? ›

The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, with the exception of an all-weather (nylon or other non-absorbent material) flag. However, most flags are made of all-weather materials.

In what states is it illegal to burn the American flag? ›

In what states is it illegal to burn the American flag? In exactly zero states. Burning the flag is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. It's considered to be protected speech.

What are three things one should never do out of respect to the flag? ›

For example:
  • The flag should not be on display outdoors during bad weather.
  • The flag should not be used for advertising purposes, or embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or boxes. ...
  • The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery.
Jul 1, 2019

What are the rules for half-staff flag? ›

(m) The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

What flag is never flown at half-mast? ›

The only place where the flag is never flown at half-mast – is the moon. By the way, the toughest moonwalk task may well have been planting that flag. NASA's studies suggested that the lunar soil was soft, but astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin found the surface to be a thin wisp of dust… over hard rock.

Is there a penalty for not flying the flag at half-mast? ›

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol.

Who has the authority to lower the U.S. flag? ›

Answer: No, only the President of the United States or the Governor of your State may order the flag to be half-staffed. Those individuals and agencies that usurp authority and display the flag at half-staff on inappropriate occasions are quickly eroding the honor and reverence accorded this solemn act.

How long do you have to leave the flag at half-mast? ›

Following the death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-staff for 30 days. Following the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice, a retired Chief Justice of the United States or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the flag should be flown at half-staff for 10 days.

Can you unfold a military funeral flag? ›

Normally, you should maintain the flag folded. But it is perfectly acceptable to raise or fly the American flag, even during a funeral!

How long does a flag stay at half-mast for a senator? ›

The flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels of the Federal Government in the metropolitan area of the District of Columbia on the day of death and on the following day upon the death of a United States Senator, Representative, Territorial Delegate, or the ...

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Duncan Muller

Last Updated:

Views: 6004

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duncan Muller

Birthday: 1997-01-13

Address: Apt. 505 914 Phillip Crossroad, O'Konborough, NV 62411

Phone: +8555305800947

Job: Construction Agent

Hobby: Shopping, Table tennis, Snowboarding, Rafting, Motor sports, Homebrewing, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.